My child suffered unnecessarily for three years with multiple hospital admissions and countless medical consultations where Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) was missed. In total we saw 7 Consultant Psychiatrists and 14 Consultant Paediatricians before getting a diagnosis and then the correct treatment which allowed my child to come home.  This personal experience  highlights a significant gap in our healthcare system - the lack of education about this condition among Psychiatrists, GP's, Paediatric Consultants and CAMHS professionals.

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome affecting up to 10% of women, yet it remains under-recognized and poorly understood within the medical community (American Journal of Psychiatry, 2018). The consequences are dire, with many individuals suffering from debilitating symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. They have an increased risk of suicide and severe mental health illness. There are currently multiple teenage girls and woman  in secure mental health hospitals (often under Section) because of this . 

We need change ! We need health professionals who can recognize and accurately diagnose PMDD. We need them to be equipped with the knowledge necessary to provide appropriate care and treatment options.

This petition calls on medical schools, nursing programs, and continuing education providers to include comprehensive education on PMDD in their curricula. By doing so, we can ensure that future patients receive timely diagnoses and effective treatments.

Let's prevent others from enduring what my child ,and hundreds of other woman, have had to go through due to lack of education about this disorder.  

Sign this petition today – let's promote better education about PMDD among our health professionals!

I intend to take this petition to the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London in April  2024 to coincide with PMD awareness month. 

Please also follow me at linkedin.com/in/mental-health-parent-expert

Thank you